A Rikers Island Correction Officer Attacked by Inmate
After being bashed in the face by a violent inmate at Rikers Island, a correction officer required six stitches to close a gaping gash over her eye. The 47-year-old officer, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the lack of consequences for inmates who assault officers and called for the reinstatement of solitary confinement at the jail.
According to the officer, inmates often brag about assaulting officers, knowing that they won’t face severe repercussions. The officer recounted an incident where she was punched by an inmate while on duty, resulting in a significant injury.
Describing the attack, the officer explained that the inmate, Rosita Sanders, struck another inmate before unexpectedly hitting her in the face. Despite the assault, Sanders showed no remorse and even taunted the officer to use pepper spray on her.
Following the attack, the officer had to seek medical attention for her injury and expressed concerns about the lack of accountability for violent inmates. She emphasized the need for stronger measures to address inmate violence against correction officers.
Call for Action
In response to the incident, Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, criticized the City Council for its policies that protect violent offenders and endanger the safety of officers. Boscio highlighted the need for accountability and stricter consequences for inmates who assault correction officers.
Since the ban on solitary confinement in December 2023, there have been over 450 assaults on correction officers at Rikers Island, as reported by the union. The officer stressed the importance of implementing effective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of correction staff.
As the officer continues to recover from the attack, she emphasized the impact on her family, particularly her son who was traumatized by the incident. The officer’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by correction officers in maintaining safety and order in correctional facilities.
